Donal Skehan rushed to hospital for emergency surgery

The RTÉ star became unwell as he was cooking dinner for his family.

RTÉ star Donal Skeehan has revealed he had to be rushed to hospital and ultimately was forced to undergo surgery.

The chef was in the middle of cooking a meal for his family when he suddenly became unwell and needed to go to A&E.

The dad-of-two updated followers on social media of his chaotic Sunday and Monday that started with blissful home life but ended in going under the knife.

Unmute

News in 90 – Tuesday November 18

Donal first let fans know he was poorly when he snapped himself hooked up to all manners of medical devices at the hospital.

In what he described as a “delightful start to the week”, the 39-year-old was sure to thank the staff and “absolute heroes” of the Mater Hospital for all their help and care.

Once he had spent a few hours in the care of the city centre hospital, Donal revealed to his followers that doctors had diagnosed him with appendicitis.

Taking to Instagram, he explains how he ended up staying in the hospital overnight: “Well I’ve now learned all I need to know about the appendix and appendicitis. The last 24 hours have been non stop.

“Had the [operation] last night to have it removed – Massive thanks to the amazing team at [the Mater Hospital] – the brilliant doctors, surgeons, nurses [and] porters.

“Absolute heroes, so amazing with all the patients and different cases. So much respect for what they do.”

He added: “Cooked Sunday family lunch for 10 and noticed a pain which got worse and worse!

“Thankful to have caught it early. I hope it wasn’t the sticky toffee pud! On the mend – thanks for the lovely messages.”

The doting dad also shared some of the adorable handwritten cards from his sons Noah, seven, and Oliver, five, that wished him to get well soon.

Noah’s card read: “Dear Pappa, hope you feel better soon. Love Noah.”

It was all worth it in the end when the chef got to dish out a five-star review of the food he received in the hospital, though he had been waiting a long time before he got to enjoy a proper meal.

“Having not eaten since Sunday night, this is right up there as one of the best breakfasts ever!”, he said alongside a photo of his much-needed banquet.